The Government has opened a consultation into biomass, calling for responses that will also help to inform the role of biomass within a wider Net Zero strategy.
It is inviting evidence and views on:
- availability of sustainable biomass from domestic and international sources
- potential end uses to support our net zero target in the context of availability of sustainable biomass feedstocks
- the sustainability of the supply chain and opportunities for strengthening existing criteria
- accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biomass use
- bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technology and its potential applications to deliver negative emissions
- opportunities for innovation to support wider deployment of technologies with potential to support the net zero target
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has welcomed the call fo evidence.
Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of REA, said:
“The REA warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s Biomass Strategy Call for Evidence. Bioenergy is already the largest contributor to renewable energy production across the UK’s heat, power and transport sectors and Government’s commitment to developing an up-to-date strategy is of great importance to realising the energy transition. In 2019, the REA Bioenergy Strategy demonstrated that 16% of primary energy demand could be sustainability met through bioenergy use. As such, this announcement recognises that bioenergy is an essential component for getting to net zero emissions by 2050.
“As a starting point, Government must consider the range of existing bioenergy skills, supply chains and technologies already present in the UK across heat, transport and power. Strategically important innovations, like bioenergy carbon capture and storage, will be delivered by building on the UK’s world leading biomass sectors and adhering to strict science-led sustainability governance. Such developments require the market to direct how biomass is best used, delivering both immediate and future carbon reductions.
“The REA look forward to working closely with BEIS throughout the development of the Biomass Strategy, highlighting how the industry will play its part in the successful decarbonisation of the UK energy system.”
